Today, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Alexander, on behalf of Christian Paradis Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), took part in an event celebrating Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield's return to Canada following his successful five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Chris Hadfield also used the opportunity to announce his plans to pursue new professional challenges.

"Chris Hadfield made space exploration history by becoming the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, a feat that instilled pride from coast-to-coast-to-coast," said Minister Paradis. His efforts have affirmed our country's world-renowned space expertise. I would like to personally thank Chris for his commitment to bringing the spirit of discovery not only to all Canadians, but to the world."

This was Chris Hadfield's third space flight. He was the only Canadian to visit the Russian space station Mir in 1995, the first Canadian to perform a spacewalk when he installed Canadarm2 onto the ISS in 2001.

Chris Hadfield's crowning achievement was becoming the first Canadian to command the ISS on March 13, 2013. As head of the ISS, he was responsible for maintaining the health and safety of the crew, and for keeping the Space Station productive and functioning properly. Some of these duties included engineering, vehicle safety and the supervision of over 100 science experiments; many with the potential to enhance the quality of our lives here on Earth and further enhance the strength and expertise of the Canadian scientific community.

He also brought the wonders of living and working on the ISS to Earth through Twitter, by sharing videos, and by taking part in educational events with school groups. A skilled communicator, Hadfield reignited global interest and excitement in the final frontier and put Canada's world-class reputation in Space centre stage.

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting Canada's space sector and remains committed to maintaining Canada's world-class reputation in space. For example, Canada's investments have led to the development of Dextre, the Canadian Space Agency's robotic handyman on board the ISS. Dextre is an indispensable mainstay in the construction and maintenance of the ISS, and is an outstanding technology that Canada has developed.

"Chris Hadfield has inspired all Canadians, especially our next-generation of scientists and engineers," said Parliamentary Secretary Chris Alexander. "His exceptional career achievements make him a true Canadian hero and icon."

"I am extremely proud to have shared my experience," said Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. "I will continue to reinforce the importance of space exploration through public speaking and will continue to visit Canadian schools through the CSA."

"(I'll be) making good on a promise I made my wife nearly 30 years ago — that yes, eventually, we would be moving back to Canada," Hadfield said.

"I'm looking forward to the next phase of life."

He says he's ready to pursue private interests, outside government. Hadfield says he hasn't decided what he will do next, but says he plans to do presentations on space while reflecting over the coming year on his next move.

Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian astronaut to command the International Space Station, will join the University of Waterloo as a professor of aviation.

"We are delighted to welcome Chris Hadfield to the University of Waterloo as a member of our faculty," said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our students and researchers to work with, and learn from, one of the greatest Canadians of recent times."

Hadfield retired from the Canadian Space Agency following his 2013 mission to the International Space Station. During that mission, Hadfield used social media to share breathtaking photos of the planet from space and to communicate with a broad audience on Earth. His Twitter account has close to a million followers.

Hadfield has been involved in ongoing research on heart health in space with professor Richard Hughson. The work studies why some astronauts are prone to fainting spells when they return to earth by predicting how they recover from rapid changes in blood pressure. The research will not only help understand dizziness in astronauts, but also have direct benefits everyday on Earth — particularly for elderly people predisposed to falls and resulting injuries.

Hadfield is expected to assume some teaching and advising responsibilities in aviation and related programs starting in the fall term of 2014. His three-year term is a cross-appointment to the Faculties of Science, Environment and Applied Health Science. Waterloo offers two undergraduate degrees in aviation, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies.

"As you would expect for a man who has just returned to Earth after five months in space, Chris has a very busy schedule," said Professor Ian McKenzie, director of aviation at Waterloo. "We are excited that he is willing to share his extensive career knowledge and experience in aviation with our faculty and students when he is able."

Hadfield's role at the university is not his first experience with Waterloo:

He studied as an NSERC postgraduate in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo in 1982, looking at aircraft fuel pump design.

He was the keynote speaker for the official launch of the Waterloo Aviation program in June 2007.

He conducted a downlink to the University of Waterloo from the International Space Station during Expedition 34/35 in February 2013.

He and his wife, Helene, married in Waterloo in 1981 and their eldest son was born in Kitchener in 1983.

Hadfield will give a public lecture at the University of Waterloo on December 3, 2013.

Robert PearlmanEditor

Posts: 30979From: Houston, TXRegistered: Nov 1999

posted 06-30-2014 04:40 PM
The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, has announced that Chris Hadfield has joined 85 others being named this year to the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Over the last 45 years, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

The Ottawa Citizen interviewed Hadfield about the honor:

"I'm so delighted about the Order of Canada. That is such a privilege to be recognized that way." he said. "I had a nice conversation with the Governor General about it and I've known him for many years, and so it's just such an honourable thing to happen, and so important for family and friends and such.